Cottagecore hair isn’t just about looking pretty, it’s about making everyday styles feel softer, freer, and a little more effortless. You don’t need a salon budget or hours in front of the mirror to pull it off. You can create striking looks with simple twists, loose waves, and natural accessories that just feel right and easy to wear.
It’s like taking classic hairstyles and stripping away the polish so they’re more lived-in and natural. Whether you’re into braids, buns, or messy curls, you’ll find ways to make them look relaxed without losing style. These looks give you variety but keep everything grounded in that laid-back, countryside vibe.
1) Loose voluminous curls with a natural shine
Loose curls that look effortless but still feel polished? Totally doable. The extra volume gives your hair movement without making it look stiff or overdone. A bit of shine spray or serum helps keep things from getting flat.
Your hair doesn’t need to be perfect for this. Cottagecore is all about relaxed, so just let the curls fall however they want. A wide-barrel curling iron or even a heatless overnight method will do the trick.
Accessories like small clips or a ribbon add a softer touch, but keep it simple. The curls are the main event here.
2) Half-up twisted braids with wildflower clips
Take two small sections from each side, twist them back, and secure them together. The look is casual but still has some structure, so it works for everyday or when you want to feel a bit extra.
Wildflower clips change the mood right away. They break up the braids with little pops of color and keep things from looking too perfect.
Loose waves or curls underneath make the whole thing feel chill. Don’t worry about symmetry – messy texture actually works better for this.
3) Low ponytail tied with a vintage ribbon
Pull your hair back into a low ponytail, nothing fancy, just clean and simple. Tie it off with a ribbon that’s maybe a little worn, and suddenly you’ve got a whole different vibe.
Satin or grosgrain ribbon works if you want something smooth, but honestly, an older, slightly frayed fabric just has more charm. Loose and a bit undone keeps it from feeling stiff.
Try matching the ribbon to your outfit, or pick a color that softly stands out. The look stays easy but still gives you that subtle cottagecore edge.
4) Messy fishtail braid with stray tendrils
Twist your hair into a fishtail braid but keep it loose so it doesn’t look too polished. Let a few strands fall around your face for that undone edge.
This braid really works when it’s not perfect. Gently tug at sections to add texture and let some tendrils escape.
Pair with a soft ribbon or a clip if you want a small detail, but don’t overthink it.
5) Soft waves paired with a silk scarf
Let your hair fall into loose waves and tie a silk scarf around it, super low effort, but it looks like you tried.
Wrap the scarf as a headband or knot it at the base of a ponytail. Both options give your look a bit of vintage charm without feeling overdone.
Play with prints or colors that vibe with your outfit. The scarf does most of the work, so you don’t have to fuss.
6) Crown braid adorned with tiny daisies
Wrap your hair into a crown braid, and tuck in a few small daisies. The flowers break up the braid’s structure and soften the whole thing.
Loose strands around your face keep it from feeling too stiff. Don’t stress about symmetry – messy looks better here.
Fresh daisies are great if you can get them, but faux ones stay put longer. Either way, the braid holds them in place pretty easily.
7) Boho bun with loose face-framing strands
Pull your hair back into a low bun but leave it loose so it doesn’t look too polished. A couple of strands around your face soften it up and give it that chill edge.
Twist sections before pinning for extra texture. The undone look works best with some wave or natural movement – skip the flat iron.
Add a braid or wrap a thin ribbon if you want more detail. Keeps the bun casual but still interesting.
8) Braid wrapped with a leather cord
Braid your hair down one side, then wrap a thin leather cord around it for a raw, earthy vibe. The mix of soft hair and rugged leather just works for that cottagecore edge.
Tie the cord loosely so it doesn’t feel stiff. Let the ends hang or knot them at the bottom for a tougher finish.
This style is best with slightly messy texture. Stray pieces only make it look more natural.
9) Butterfly clips scattered through curls
Twist your curls into something less predictable by slipping butterfly clips at random spots. The uneven placement keeps it casual and gives your hair a playful edge.
Instead of neat rows, scatter the clips so each one feels like it landed wherever. The curls stay the focus and the clips just add a little punch.
Mix clip colors if you want it playful. Stick to softer shades for a more cottagecore vibe.
10) Tousled beach waves with a floral headband
You don’t need the beach for this one. A bit of texturizing spray and some scrunching give your hair that relaxed, lived-in look.
Throw on a floral headband and suddenly you’re in cottagecore territory. The flowers soften the messy texture, making it feel natural but still put together.
Works with short, medium, or long hair. Tousled waves plus the headband, can’t go wrong.
11) Low chignon with fresh lavender sprigs
Twist your hair into a low chignon at the nape of your neck, keeping it loose and relaxed. The shape feels classic but never stiff.
Tuck a couple fresh lavender sprigs into the bun. The soft purple against your hair adds a natural touch that’s simple and grounded.
Skip heavy accessories and let the lavender do its thing. The scent and color keep it fresh and lovely.
12) Braided halo with subtle baby’s breath accents
Wrap your hair into a halo braid and you get that soft cottagecore vibe right away. The braid frames your face but doesn’t feel too polished.
Tuck in some baby’s breath, and suddenly it’s dreamy. The small white flowers break up the braid with a delicate touch that’s just enough.
Keep the braid a little loose so it looks relaxed, not stiff. The flowers will sit naturally and the style feels easy.
13) Chunky plaits with rustic hemp ties
If you want something grounded and a little tough but still soft, chunky plaits are the way to go. Tie them off with hemp instead of satin or silk for a raw, earthy vibe.
Wrap the hemp loosely so it doesn’t pull too tight, and let the ends fray a bit for that worn-in look. It’s easy, but it feels intentional.
Go for two braids or just one heavy plait, either way, the hemp ties pull everything together with that rough-around-the-edges charm.
14) Gently undone Dutch braids with moss green ribbons
Loose Dutch braids, not too perfect, give off a relaxed vibe that feels effortless.
Weave in moss green ribbons as you braid, letting them peek through the strands. The color adds an earthy touch that’s pure cottagecore.
Leave a few face-framing pieces out so it doesn’t look too polished. That undone texture keeps it soft and natural.
15) Romantic curls pinned back with pearl pins
Let your natural curls fall loose, then pin back a few strands with pearl pins. Pearls give off a soft vintage vibe without making it feel too much.
Keep the pins near your temples or just above your ears for balance. The curls stay free but you get a little structure.
You can wear this with a casual dress or something fancier. The style feels relaxed but still polished enough for photos.
16) Twisted pigtails with vintage lace ribbons
Twist your hair into two loose pigtails, leaving some strands free for a softer look. It’s playful but still has that relaxed cottage vibe.
Wrap vintage lace ribbons around each tie instead of plain elastics. The lace adds texture and a slightly worn, nostalgic feel.
Works with straight or wavy hair, no need to overstyle. Just keep it casual and let the ribbons do their thing.
17) Simple braid with wildflower crown
Pull your hair into a loose braid, nothing too tight, just enough to keep it together. The style feels laid-back but still neat, with that easygoing cottage vibe.
Slip a crown of small wildflowers over the braid and the look changes instantly. The flowers add color and texture, making the braid feel fresh and natural.
Keep it a little messy for more character. A few strands falling out only add to the charm.
18) Soft, undone waves with a dainty vine clip
Loose, undone waves that look like you barely tried? That’s the move. The texture feels relaxed and gives your hair a natural flow.
Throw in a vine clip and the look goes from casual to cottagecore chic. The detail adds just enough charm without overdoing it.
Your waves stay easy, your vibe stays effortless, and the clip just ties it all together.
